Association of triglyceride-glucose index and derived indices with cataract in middle-aged and elderly Americans:...

Explore the relationship between the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index, along with its derivative indices, and the prevalence of cataracts.

Data from 20,497 participants in the 2005-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were compiled. A final total of 4,499 individuals met the eligibility criteria. Cataract presence was assessed through a self-reported history of cataract surgery. The TyG index and its derivatives-TyG-waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), TyG-neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), TyG-monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), TyG-log platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (lgPLR), TyG-log systemic inflammation index (lgSII), and TyG-systemic inflammation response index (SIRI)-were calculated. Statistical analyses included multivariable logistic regression, restricted cubic spline (RCS) curves for nonlinear relationships, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.

Higher TyG indices were significantly associated with cataract presence (P < 0.001). Specifically, TyG-WHtR, TyG-NLR, TyG-lgPLR, TyG-lgSII, and TyG-SIRI exhibited positive correlations with cataract prevalence, even after adjustment for potential confounders (odds ratio [OR] = 1.17; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01, 1.37; P = 0.0403; [OR] = 1.01; 95% [CI]: 1.00, 1.02; P = 0.0258; [OR] = 1.08; 95% [CI]: 1.01, 1.16; P = 0.0223; [OR] = 1.08; 95% [CI]: 1.03, 1.14; P = 0.001; [OR] = 1.02; 95% [CI]: 1.00, 1.04; P = 0.0120). Furthermore, the stratified analysis showed that in the 61-85 age group, TyG-lgPLR and TyG-lgSII remained positively associated with cataract prevalence ([OR] = 1.09; 95% [CI]: 1.01, 1.17; P = 0.024; [OR] = 1.08; 95% [CI]: 1.02, 1.13; P = 0.005). RCS analysis revealed a linear association between these indices and cataracts, with no apparent threshold effect. ROC analysis indicated that TyG-MLR demonstrated the highest predictive ability for cataract presence.

The study results indicate a positive association between TyG-related indicators and cataract the prevalence of cataracts in middle-aged and elderly individuals, suggesting that these markers may serve as practical biomarkers for identifying high-risk individuals. Early detection and management of metabolic and inflammatory factors could contribute to effective preventive strategies for cataract development in the elderly population.